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Garner would become the Reds' fourth arrival of the close season, following Rob Earnshaw, Paul Anderson and Guy Moussi through the gates at the City Ground, if Forest can agree a deal with Carlisle.

Reports claim a £500,000 approach has been made in an attempt to lure Carlisle into a sale, with a three-year contract expected to be offered to the 20-year-old should an agreement be met.

The former Blackburn apprentice netted 14 goals in 30 starts for the Cumbrians last season before a knee ligament injury sustained in February ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Garner is widely regarded as an exciting prospect for the future and Forest manager Calderwood admits that he would be delighted to bring the youngster on board.

"He is a young player with potential, but he has experience in league football," Calderwood told the Evening Post.

"He is somebody we have known about for a while. Hopefully we can bring him in."

Calderwood went on to confirm that the Reds are continuing their pursuit of former England international Andy Cole.

The Nottingham-born striker was released by Sunderland at the end of the 2007/08 season and could be tempted to join his hometown club if he is promised the opportunity to undertake some coaching duties.

"There has been contact with Andy and we will try to follow up on that," said Calderwood.

The arrival of Garner, coupled with the possible signing of Cole, will compensate for the imminent departure of Junior Agogo.

The Ghana international recently saw a move to Egyptian outfit Zamalek fall through but, with numerous clubs in the Far East believed to be interested, Calderwood does not expect the powerful forward to be at the City Ground next season.